Midfielder to head west with hopes of rosy future

Motherwell midfielder Andy Rose is to join Vancouver Whitecaps on January 1.

The 28-year-old, whose father-in-law is former United States and Swansea manager Bob Bradley, is returning to Major League Soccer under a gentleman’s agreement with Motherwell.

The former Seattle Sounders midfielder joined Motherwell in the summer of 2017 but was keen to return to the US league to maintain his visa rights.

“I’ve had such an amazing time at Fir Park and I want to thank everyone at the football club for making me feel welcome from day one,” Rose told Motherwell’s website.

“From the fans, to the staff, to the boys in the dressing room, it’s been an unforgettable experience for me and my family.

“The opportunity to return to America is something that I could not risk turning down and I’m extremely grateful to the club for supporting me, not just now, but throughout my time here in Scotland.”

Manager Stephen Robinson added: “We had a gentlemen’s agreement with Andy when he signed his new deal that if an opportunity presented itself back near his home and family, we would allow him to go and do it.

“Andy has been a superb professional during his time at Motherwell and I have no doubts he’ll give everything in the last six games before departing for North America.”